St. Luke Christian Church (Founded 1893 by Former
Slaves) at U.S. Highway-70 West and Unpaved James Walker Road, Mebane, North Carolina

Founded in 1994, the West End Revitalization Association, Inc. (WERA) is
Alamance County’s first and only community development corporation (CDC). WERA
services residents, homeowners, and landowners of five African American
communities in Alamance County and Orange County. These communities were settled
by former slaves, just beyond Mebane’s city limits, shortly after the Civil War
and are 85% to 95% African American. Seven 100-year old churches, founded
as early as 1864, are landmarks of survival.

In 1999, complaints to the U.S. Department of Justice were
required to stop the 119-bypass/interstate from destroying dozens of houses, churches, and
a Masonic Temple in West End and White Level communities.

On November 14, 2003, the West
End Revitalization Association - WERA celebrated it ninth anniversary at the
Annual Fundraising Awards Dinner. Young adult members of WERA's
DREAM-Network hosted this special occasion.

We were blessed the presence of
friends, family, and community partners. This Enviro-Art called "Cherish" by
Kojo E. Wilson was presents as awards. The short poem below was written in
recognition of the "Cherish" and each dinner guests, board member, and
community partner was encouraged to add lines or verses in dedication to the
poem. WERA needs everyone's support and commitment to eliminate
environmental hazards that threaten the public health of Mebane's low-income
and minority communities.

“Cherish
Every Drop of Water You Drink,
Cherish every leaf that’s green,
Cherish every hand keeping it clean,” (Omega Wilson)